K-12 Online Learning and the Training Needs for School Psychology Practitioners

• Published in: School Psychology Forum, research in practice Vol. 7; no. 3; pp. 76 - 88
• Main Authors: Tysinger, P. Dawn, Tysinger, Jeff, Diamanduros, Terry, Kennedy, Kathryn
• Format: Magazine Article
• Language: English
• Published: National Association of School Psychologists 2013
• Subjects: Blended Learning; Bullying; Counselor Role; Counselor Training; Educational Assessment; Electronic Learning; Elementary Secondary Education; Intervention; Online Courses; Prevention; School Counseling; School Psychologists; Training Objectives
• ISSN: 1938-2243; 1938-2243

K-12 online learning is growing at an exponential rate in the United States and around the world. Students and teachers are entering and embracing the K-12 online learning environment. Thus, it becomes imperative for school psychologists to follow. In order to offer the most productive learning environment for all students, the services provided by the school psychologist in the traditional face-to-face school setting are still relevant and necessary within the medium of online learning. However, school psychologists must be aware, prepared, and trained to deliver those services in a new environment that both poses challenges to and offers opportunities for expansion of service delivery. This article describes the status of K-12 online learning and the training needs of practitioners to effectively address assessment, consultation, intervention, counseling, and cyberbullying prevention.